VISA
H-1B visa fee hike may accelerate shift of US tech jobs to India-based GCCs: Former UN advisor Santosh Mehrotra
The proposed $103,265 H-1B fee could accelerate the movement of technology work from the US to India-based Global Capability Centres, economist Santosh Mehrotra said. Companies may increasingly access Indian talent from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and NCR instead of moving workers to the US.
Trump’s new immigration test: Legal visa applicants may now have to prove they won’t need US benefits
The Trump administration is training US consular officers to assess whether immigrant visa applicants could become dependent on public benefits. The exercise has disrupted interviews worldwide and could bring greater financial scrutiny for family- and employment-based green card applicants, although no new income threshold has been announced.
New Zealand enhances visa system: Group Visitor and Tour Escort Visas move online
New Zealand's Immigration Online system now handles visitor visa applications. This change affects group and tour escort visitor visa applications starting August 24. Existing applications submitted through the old system will continue processing normally. Applicants must submit draft applications on the old form by October 7. The new platform aims to simplify processes and improve applicant communication.
Trump’s immigrant visa pause: Can Indian applicants see the US green card queue move back?
The US pause on immigrant visa interviews could add delays for Indians already stuck in long green card queues. Priority dates will not automatically change, but prolonged disruption could reduce visa issuances and increase the risk of future retrogression, particularly in heavily backlogged EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 categories.
I have a US tourist visa appointment. Will Trump’s pause affect me?
If you have a US tourist visa interview scheduled, you should still attend unless the embassy or consulate tells you otherwise. The reported worldwide pause concerns immigrant visas, not B-1/B-2 tourist visas. Tourist appointments have not been suspended globally, though individual appointments could still be rescheduled.
Why is the US training visa officers? The ‘public charge’ test explained
The US is training consular officers to more closely assess whether immigrant visa applicants could become dependent on government benefits. The “public charge” training has led to cancelled or rescheduled interviews worldwide, raising concerns about delays, added costs and tougher scrutiny for green card applicants.
- Go To Page 1
US pauses immigrant visa interviews worldwide: Who is affected and what happens next?
The Trump administration has paused or rescheduled immigrant visa interviews worldwide for training on identifying applicants who may become dependent on US public benefits. The disruption could delay green cards and family reunification, with the State Department yet to say when normal appointments will resume.
Japan to cut visa fees for some foreigners facing financial hardship
Japan will offer reduced residence-related fees to some foreign nationals facing severe financial hardship when higher charges take effect on October 1. However, most asylum seekers may not qualify because eligibility generally requires receiving government assistance, drawing criticism from refugee support groups.
Trump leaves no legal immigration pathway in the US untouched: How his curbs affect workers, students and families
Trump’s immigration crackdown now reaches beyond the H-1B programme, affecting students, families, investors, asylum seekers and temporary visitors through higher fees, tougher screening, visa revocations and country-based restrictions. While routes such as L-1, O-1 and family-sponsored immigration remain open, no legal pathway is entirely free from new risks.
What are H-1B visas for skilled workers and what changes loom?
Recent proposals from the US administration indicate a sharp rise in H-1B visa fees, which could challenge employers, especially in tech and consulting roles that depend on these visas. Legal challenges are underway regarding the legitimacy of these increased fees. The stricter vetting processes are complicating recruitment and expansion efforts, leading to a noticeable decrease in the number of H-1B visa applications.
United States pauses visa appointments worldwide until further notice
The Trump administration has paused global visa appointments for training purposes. This action is part of an ongoing immigration crackdown by the U.S. government. Consular officers will receive training to screen applicants more thoroughly. Human rights groups have condemned the crackdown as discriminatory and violating rights. The administration has also made legal immigration more difficult through new fees.
Indian IT firms reduced H-1B dependency in last five years: Nasscom
Indian IT companies have invested $1.1 billion in the US over five years to build the local science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) talent base, Nasscom said. The efforts have reduced their dependence on H-1B visas and reached 2.9 million students and 255,000 employees, as the US proposes a higher H-1B fee.
JD Vance defends new H-1B fee, says US firms should hire and train Americans
US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration’s proposed $103,000 fee on new H-1B visas, saying American companies should prioritise hiring and training US workers. The proposed charge would significantly raise costs for employers recruiting skilled foreign professionals.
US may revoke up to 200,000 tourist, business visas
The Trump administration is preparing to revoke up to 200,000 US business and tourism visas held by foreigners who have sought or applied for asylum, according to State Department documents and officials. The move, potentially the largest mass visa revocation in US history, could trigger legal challenges but not immediate deportations.
US moves to impose more than $100,000 fee for H-1B worker visas
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register on Monday.
Schengen visa racket: Spain probes BLS over alleged role in €25,000 scheme; company denies wrongdoing
A US federal judge has struck down the Trump administration’s suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, ruling it violated immigration law. Visa refusals based solely on the policy were also set aside and must be reconsidered by consular officers.
ET WLF: India raised Chinese business visa denial issue with Beijing, assures EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India has raised with China the issue of Indian businessmen facing difficulties in getting Chinese business visas. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar said stable and peaceful borders are essential for better India-China relations.
No points system, no French job offer: What Indians need to know about France’s Profession Libérale visa
France’s Profession Libérale visa allows eligible Indian freelancers, consultants and business owners to move to France without a French job offer or employer sponsor. Here’s a look at its key benefits, financial requirements, application process and rules for long-term residence and family members.
Trump administration's visa pause for 75 countries struck down by US court
A US federal judge has struck down the Trump administration’s suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, ruling it violated immigration law. Visa refusals based solely on the policy were also set aside and must be reconsidered by consular officers.
Pakistani brides from Sindh reach India for weddings through transit routes after Operation Sindoor visa restrictions ease
At least 150 Pakistani Sindhi women have travelled to India for their weddings after receiving visas despite restrictions following Operation Sindoor. With the Wagah-Attari route shut, the brides and their families entered through air transit routes, while around 300 more await visas.
US Visa Bulletin September 2026: Big green card relief for Indians as family visa dates make major gains
India’s green card waitlist saw significant movement in several family-sponsored categories in the September 2026 Visa Bulletin, including F1, F2B and F3. Employment-based applicants saw little relief, with EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 unavailable and EB-1 and EB-3 unchanged.
US judge strikes down Trump policy suspending immigrant visas for 75 countries
A U.S. judge invalidated a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visas. This policy had targeted applicants from seventy-five different countries. The judge stated the policy exceeded the Secretary of State's statutory authority. The State Department announced this suspension in January, impacting many nations. Immigrant rights groups and visa applicants had filed the lawsuit against this policy.
South Africa adds R500 processing fee to ETA system; here’s what travellers will pay
South Africa has introduced a R500 processing fee for applications made through its Electronic Travel Authorisation system. While the digital service is no longer free, the government says travellers who previously relied on outsourced visa centres could see their overall visa costs fall significantly.
US expands $750 fast-track visa appointment pilot to five more countries
The US has expanded its $750 fast-track visa appointment pilot to six countries, offering eligible tourist and business visa applicants interviews within 10 business days. The fee only secures an earlier appointment and does not guarantee visa approval or faster processing. India is not included.
Canada updates temporary resident visa processing times; what Indians need to know
Canada's work and study permit processing times for Indian applicants remain unchanged. Visitor visa wait times for Indians have increased by one day to thirty-one days. India's study permit wait is the same as the United States, while work permits take longer. Super Visa processing for Indians stays at fifty-six days, which is significantly faster than the US. These figures are estimates and actual processing times may vary.
No easy entry for India Inc in China as Beijing tightens business visa rules
Indian companies face significant challenges securing Chinese business visas. Many firms are now relocating crucial executive meetings to other Asian nations. This visa tightening affects executives, engineers, and technical specialists. Chinese smartphone brands and auto parts majors are among the affected entities. These visa issues follow earlier restrictions imposed by India on Chinese firms.
Kanimozhi writes to Jaishankar over UK visa difficulties faced by Tamil Nadu-sponsored students
DMK MP Kanimozhi has appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for intervention as over 300 students are experiencing difficulties in obtaining UK visas for their higher education pursuits. It has been reported that the Tamil Nadu government's sponsorship is not recognized for visa applications. With university enrollment deadlines approaching in August and September, students could potentially miss out on crucial academic opportunities.
Is a foreign degree still worth it? Indian students rethink as costs soar, visas tighten
International students are increasingly judging foreign degrees by career outcomes, affordability and visa certainty, IDP Education and Navitas research shows. Students are comparing more destinations and considering home-country alternatives, with Indians forming the largest respondent group in IDP’s survey.
US loses ground as study destination amid weak safety, visa perceptions: Survey
The US is losing appeal among international students, with a Navitas survey showing weak perceptions of safety, openness and visa processing. Only 38% of education agents reported increased interest in the US, trailing New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Canada.
Load More
